A TULLIBODY woman will have around 16 inches of hair chopped off this weekend, in a bid to raise money for a children's charity.

Sharon Merrilees became motivated to cut her locks – which she will donate to The Little Princess Trust – after seeing her little cousin Ashlee Easton battle cancer.

She said: "Having supported Ashlee losing her lovely hair twice now, I seen what a big impact it made to her when she was already going through so much.

"We are always trying to think of different ways of raising money for much needed research and awareness.

"Then of course there is another amazing charity called Little Princess Trust, who provide real hair wigs to children across the UK that have sadly lost their own hair due to cancer and other illnesses, so this just seemed like the perfect thing to do next."

In February 2013, Ashlee, then aged six, started complaining about a pain.

Initially, it was a suspected food intolerance or pulled muscle, however tests would go on to show she actually had stage four neuroblastoma.

After two years of treatment the Falkirk youngster was disease free, but in July last year routine scans showed a relapse.

Since then, she had MIBG therapy in London in October which she responded well to and has yet again started to get her hair back.

This has inspired Sharon to raise money for the youngster's named fund of Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group.

She said when a child is diagnosed with the disease, family, friends and communities feel helpless and want to do something to show support.

According to the 32-year-old, one thing they can do is raise money for research, which is extremely important.

She said: "I have seen Ashlee and other children in an often full ward, go through the unimaginable and seeing a child endure this breaks your heart, we need to change this now.

"Ashlee's neuroblastoma appeal has been formed with the purpose of funding vital research into neuroblastoma, it is a special named fund of Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group.

“CCLG is a leading children's cancer charity and the UK and Ireland's professional association for those involved in the treatment and care of children with cancer.

“Over last 40 years CCLG has played a key role in the major improvements in survival rates and standards of care, they receive no permanent funding and are reliant on valued supporters."

Sharon, who is originally from Falkirk, admits she is nervous about the up-coming haircut, but is prepared to take it all in her stride.

She said: "The shortest I've ever had my hair was just below my shoulders so to be cutting it above them is a scary thought.

"Everyone is being so supportive though and my friends keep telling me I'll look fabulous with short hair.

"I actually think my partner and friends are really looking forward to me getting the chop as I'll be ready in half the time.

"It takes me hours to get ready and curl it all for going out which usually makes me late for everything.

"Peter Grey at Rucci Hair is an excellent stylist and I know he'll do a grand job – I can't wait till the grand reveal."

People can donate to the cause by visiting the fundraising page uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SharonMerrilees 

Or they can help by organising a sponsored event, coffee morning, dress down day at work and more, or text CCLG 5 ASHLEE to 70300 to give £5.

Find out more at www.cclg.org.uk/AshleesNeuroblastomaAppeal or search for Ashlee's Neuroblastoma appeal on Facebook for more.